The peak of the 2025 December supermoon has arrived

The last full moon of December, often called the "Cold Moon," is set to rise in the coming days. November saw the full Beaver Moon reach its peak at 8:19 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, marking one of the several supermoons of 2025. Earlier this year, skywatchers also witnessed the Harvest Moon along with other notable celestial events. Now, attention turns to the year's final full moon.

December Full Moon Timing

The Cold Moon will be at its brightest on December 4 at 6:14 p.m., according to the Old Farmers Almanac. Observers are advised to catch it shortly after moonrise when it looks especially large near the horizon.

December Supermoon

December brings the third and last supermoon of 2025. Supermoons occur when the full or new moon aligns with the moons closest approach to Earth, known as perigee. At this point, the moon can appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter.

Supermoons typically happen three or four times a year in consecutive months. In 2024, they appeared from August through November. In 2025, the supermoons occurred in September, October, November, and now December. November's supermoon was the largest and most luminous of the year, appearing 7.9% bigger and 16% brighter than a standard full moon.

December Meteor Shower

The Geminid meteor shower will also light up Decembers skies. According to the Old Farmers Almanac:

• Meteors per hour: ~75
• Active: November 19 December 16
• Peak: December 1314

The Geminids are among the most reliable meteor showers of the year. Meteors can be visible all night, but peak viewing occurs around 2 a.m., with good activity starting around 9 p.m. as night falls early in December.

Why Its Called the Cold Moon

The name "Cold Moon" originates from Native American traditions, reflecting the chilly December weather. UNC Asheville Astronomy Associate Professor Britt Lundren emphasizes that these moon names vary among tribes and are closely tied to the seasonal patterns of their regions. Examples of December-related moon names include:

• Long Night Moon (Mohican)
• Drift Clearing Moon (Cree)
• Frost Exploding Trees Moon (Cree)
• Moon of the Popping Trees (Oglala)
• Hoar Frost Moon (Cree)
• Snow Moon (Haida, Cherokee)
• Winter Maker Moon (Western Abenaki)
• Moon When the Deer Shed Their Antlers (Dakota)
• Little Spirit Moon (Anishinaabe)

December Moon Phases

In December 2025, the full moon occurs on Thursday, December 4, and the new moon follows on Friday, December 19.

Full Moon Names for 2025

• January Wolf Moon
• February Snow Moon
• March Worm Moon
• April Pink Moon
• May Flower Moon
• June Strawberry Moon
• July Buck Moon
• August Sturgeon Moon
• September Corn Moon
• October Hunter Moon
• November Beaver Moon
• December Cold Moon

Author: Zoe Harrison